Stars and Stripes River Festival and Block Party expands to July 2

The Stars & Stripes River Festival has expanded to now include activities Saturday, July 2, in Downtown Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District.  

"We know families are looking for fun Fourth of July activities closer to home this year, so we’ve expanded our event to cover two weekends,” said Mike Knopp, executive director of RIVERSPORT.  

“We are geared up with all of our adventures, whitewater and surfing, plus racing and some really unique offerings this year. We think the dog dock diving and hydroplane exhibition on July 2 are going to be super popular. We're also doing fireworks both Saturdays, so it’s going to be a great celebration.” 

On Saturday, June 25, Stars & Stripes combined masters and corporate racing with RIVERSPORT Adventures, whitewater rafting, surfing, tubing and land adventures. In the evening, spectators enjoyed OGE NightSprints and the OKC RIVERSPORT Corporate Rowing & Dragon Boat League Championships followed by fireworks on the river. 

But the celebration now continues on Saturday, July 2, with RIVERSPORT’s Stars & Stripes Block Party. The morning begins with Doga (dog yoga) with Bar K, the new dog park and restaurant opening this fall in the Boathouse District. Adventures, surfing and whitewater are open all day, plus special attractions including a Dog Dock Diving exhibition, a OKC Thunder Boat exhibition on the river and live music in the evening. Families can also enjoy traditional Fourth of July activities including a watermelon eating contest, yard games, traditional hot dogs and burgers cooked on a grill, and ice cream specials. Fireworks begin at dusk over the whitewater center. 

RIVERSPORT will also host local high-speed boats for an OKC Thunderboat exhibition on the Oklahoma River from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m in the Boathouse District. These hydroplane boats can reach speeds of 200mph or more and are to boat racing what Indianapolis 500 cars are to auto racing.

OKC Thunder Dock Diving dogs will begin their exhibition at 6:00 p.m. in the McClendon Whitewater Center. These amazing dog athletes will show their skills in both distance and aerial jumps into the water.  

RIVERSPORT Adventures and Rapids will be open throughout the day offering whitewater rafting, adventure courses, zip lines and more with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. 

For more information about the 2022 Stars and Stripes River Festival, visit https://www.riversportokc.org/events/stars-stripes-river-festival/ 

Schedule of Events  

SATURDAY, JULY 2 SCHEDULE 

9:00 a.m.  Doga with Bar K 

11:00 a.m.  RIVERSPORT Rapids & Adventures Open 

All day….Watermelon Eating Contest • Yard Games • Hot Dog and Hamburger Cookout • Ice Cream! 

4:00 p.m. OKC Thunderboat Exhibition 

6:00 p.m. Dog Dock Diving Exhibition 

7:00 p.m. Live Music followed by Fireworks! 

Dusk Fireworks at the RIVERSPORT Whitewater Center